West Maitland Dentistry Blog

Make-Over Your Smile with Dental Restorations!

June 18, 2019

Not only can missing teeth impact your ability to talk and eat properly, but it can also negatively affect your confidence. We’ve heard from countless patients with missing teeth that they avoid photos because they’re embarrassed about their smile, or that their missing teeth otherwise negatively affect their life. If any of this applies to you or your loved ones, we’d love to help through the variety of dental restorations we offer at West Maitland Dentistry.

What Is a Dental Restoration?

Dental restoration involves restoring not only the function of your natural tooth but also the appearance of your smile. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing and their location, we might opt for a bridge, a denture, or a dental implant. Our goal is to provide individualized treatment that resolves your issue, suits your budget, meets your goals, and boosts your confidence so that you’ll feel comfortable showing off your smile!

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. If an evaluation of the health of your jawbone and your gums reveals you are a good candidate for a dental implant, we will first surgically implant a biocompatible titanium post in your jaw. This titanium is completely safe and will fuse with your jawbone. In fact, it will help strengthen your jaw and prevent bone loss. Once the surgical site heals and the rod fuses with your jaw, we will fit a tooth-colored dental crown on top of the post. This crown will be so realistic-looking, virtually no one will be able to tell you have an artificial tooth!

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges fill the space where one or more teeth used to be. There are multiple types of bridges — some are supported by natural teeth, others are supported by dental implants. During your consultation, our team will examine your mouth and consider your oral health history to determine if a bridge is the best type of dental restoration for your smile.

Dentures

Full and partial dentures replace multiple missing natural teeth. A denture is a removable appliance made of a gum-lookalike base and artificial teeth. While dentures allow for normal talking and chewing, it may take some time for you to adjust until the prosthesis feels completely comfortable. Because dentures are removable, they are typically the least invasive but require additional maintenance to keep them clean and well-fitted.

Our Team Can Restore Your Smile!

To ask us any questions about dental restorations or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

Summer Tips for Better Dental Health

June 5, 2019

Summer break is in full effect, but that doesn’t mean you need to take a break from good oral hygiene habits too!  Follow these summer tips to maintain your healthy smile over these next few warm months.

Cut down on Sugary Drinks/Foods

Summer heat brings about barbecues, parties and being outdoors more than usual.  Often at these social settings, sugary drinks and foods are served, such as ice cream, popsicles, sweet tea.  Try to avoid these sweet treats and stick to fruits or water.  If you still crave that frozen treat try substituting frozen fruits, such as bananas and grapes, for your favorite popsicle or ice cream!

Swimming

Rising temperatures make swimming a perfect summer activity for all ages.  Swimming for extended periods can cause brown stains to start appearing on teeth.  To avoid this make sure your children know proper breathing techniques while swimming.  Also brushing off plaque before swimming can help prevent these stains.

Prevent Dental Emergencies

School being out means plenty of time for children to enjoy lots of outdoor activities.  Riding bikes, swimming and playing sports can all lead to dental trauma.  To avoid injuries to the mouth have your child wear a mouthguard when engaging in physical activity.  When swimming, make sure they obey rules such as no running and horse playing in the pool.

Sunscreen

With the sun ablaze most of us remember to put sunscreen on our skin.  It is important though to remember to include your lips as well.  Your lips are a part of your skin that are easily forgotten but can also get skin cancer.  There are several lip balms on the market with SPFs out there to help protect against harmful UV rays.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can occur easily over the summertime.  If you don’t drink adequate amounts of water, dry mouth can become an issue.  Dry mouth is a very large cause of cavities so when the temperatures rise to make sure so does your water intake.

Schedule an Appointment

Daily schedules loosen up over the summer with school being over.  August becomes a mad rush to get kids in before school starts.  Avoid losing out the most wanted appointment times by scheduling over the summer.  Give us a call today to schedule your appointment and we hope these tips help you to stay healthy and cool over the summer!

Why Replacing a Missing Tooth is Important!

May 29, 2019

According to the American College of Prosthodontists 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. There are many reasons that people can lose their teeth, such as cavities, periodontal disease, trauma or genetics. Missing even one tooth can cause a gap in your smile leading to an unwanted appearance.

Although a missing tooth can affect your confidence when smiling, did you know it can also affect your ability to eat and can also cause permanent damage to other teeth in your mouth? Here are some ways these spaces can impact the remaining dentition:

  • More Stress…the adjacent teeth have more stress on them now. This lack of support can cause bone loss, mobility or a fracture in the tooth and can eventually lead to another extraction and more lost teeth!
  • Totally a Drift…since there is nothing for the adjacent tooth to contact, it will start drifting forward into the missing space. This can cause difficulties in keeping the area clean and can lead to decay.
  • Gravity Takes it’s Toll…if the missing teeth are on the bottom, the opposite tooth on the top will start drifting down.  Gravity will cause the top tooth to move down since there is nothing to stop it.  Eventually, the tooth can drift down so much that with enough bone loss the tooth will need to be removed.

The good news is there are several ways to replace missing teeth. The most common options are an implant, bridge, or partial denture. All of these options can stop the impacts of the missing teeth while also improving your smile and chewing capabilities.

Check out this case below and how Dr. Dhaliwal helped this patient with a missing tooth.

BEFORE

This patient was concerned about the missing tooth.  The tooth broke off under the gum line and wasn’t able to be saved.  The patient didn’t care for the look of the gap when she smiled.  Also, she found it difficult to chew in that area.

AFTER

After an evaluation, Dr. Dhaliwal and the patient both agreed that a bridge would be the best treatment option.  The bridge not only took care of the missing tooth but also replaced a broken crown in the tooth in front of the missing space and helped strengthen the tooth behind the missing space that had a large failing filling.  Both the patient and Dr. D were super excited with the results.

Improve the health of your mouth and schedule your consultation with Dr. Dhaliwal today to discuss what options you have in replacing your missing teeth!

Affordable Dental Care in Maitland, FL

May 23, 2019

Everyone deserves quality dental care, but we know that for many families it can seem out of their budget to get the services they need. Every budget is unique, which is why we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to our financial options at West Maitland Dentistry. We do everything we can to provide affordable dentistry to our community by being insurance-friendly, offering an in-house membership plan, and accepting CareCredit®. Here’s a little bit more about all three:

Dental Insurance

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to insurance, but we work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Our dental practice is in-network with many major insurance providers, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta, DHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Sun Life, Principal, and United Healthcare. Even if we’re not in-network with your provider, we are still happy to accept all other PPOs as out-of-network providers.

Affordable In-House Membership Plan

Insurance can be a great way to make dental care more affordable, but for many different reasons, it’s not a good fit for everyone–and that’s okay! We have an alternative for you. Our in-house membership plan isn’t insurance, but that also means it doesn’t come with the hassles of insurance-like claim forms, maximums, and deductibles. Instead, you simply pay a yearly membership fee ($325 per year for new patients, $275 per year for current patients, and $245 for children under the age of 12) and then you’ll get your yearly routine preventive care (like professional cleanings, dental exams, X-rays, and fluoride treatments) totally covered, as well as a 15% discount on the rest of our dental services. It’s as easy as that!

CareCredit Financing

We’ve seen that simply being able to split up their treatment costs into smaller payments is just what patients need to work dental care into their budget. With CareCredit financing, you can do just that. This financing option is essentially like a credit card for your healthcare expenses. You can choose the payment plan that works for you and divide up the cost of your treatment into low, monthly installments. Some of these plan options are even interest-free!

More Questions? We Have Answers!

If you have additional questions about any of these financing options, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. Our team is here to make affordable dental care within reach for you and your family!

7 Tips to Get your Child to Have FUN Brushing

May 21, 2019

Struggling to get your child to brush or floss their teeth?  You’re not alone!  Getting your young one to brush or floss is a daily battle that most of us encounter.  Here are some tips and tricks to not only get your little one to have fun brushing but also get them on a life long track to great oral health!

Start early

The best time to start a good oral hygiene routine is before your child even get’s their first tooth.  When they are infants rub their gums with a wet wash cloth after feedings.  This helps establish a routine and also gets them comfortable with someone being in their mouth.

Music Makes the Mouth Open

Incorporate music to help add some fun during brushing and flossing time.  When brushing sing a song or dance to some music to make the time more exciting and special for your child.  A popular app that kids enjoy is Brush DJ.  This free app plays music for two minutes, turning brushing time into a dance party.   Dr. Dhaliwal uses this next trick with her daughter who loves to sing.  She sings a note, such as “laaaa’ and then has her four-year-old repeat it.  The louder she sings the wider she opens!

Tell a Story 

Sometimes distraction is key when it comes to dealing with children.  Telling stories can keep kids’ minds off of what is going on but can also make things more enjoyable.  Let your child’s imagination run wild by creating fun stories to go along with brushing.

If your creativity needs some help, give names or numbers to the teeth and brush until all the names or numbers have been called.  Likewise, using the term sugar bugs to describe plaque can help kids visualize what you are trying to brush out.  Keep brushing your little one’s teeth until you don’t see any more sugar bugs in their mouths.  Don’t forget to describe the color, shape, and size of each sugar bug you are brushing off!

Finally, if you need even more help, try out Star Teeth.  This is an app that allows kids to pick a character to cheer them on while brushing.

Copy Cats

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Keep that in mind when you perform your own brushing routine.  Children tend to pick up on and copy what they see.  Having a good oral hygiene routine yourself can rub off on your child.

When teaching them brushing and flossing skills try the tell, show, do the method.

Tell: Explain to your child how and why we brush our teeth in words they can understand.  Give them opportunities to ask questions as well.

Show: Demonstrate how you brush and floss teeth either on yourself or on a doll.  This way they can familiarize themselves with the process before you brush in their mouth.

*Do: *Brush and floss their teeth or help them if they need assistance.

Let Them Choose…

Get your child more involved when it comes to picking out their toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth rinse flavors. This will make them feel more excited and in control of the whole process.  There are so many different characters themed toothbrushes for sale now.  Find one that engages and excites your child.  Try a toothbrush that either is electric or has a light timer that changes from green to yellow to red.  Keep kids excited by allowing them to pick out a few of their favorite ones to switch up daily.

Game On

Another way to make brushing more enjoyable is by making it into a game.  While you are brushing their teeth, let them brush either their baby doll’s teeth or your teeth.  A good way for your children to have fun and visualize brushing habits is with the use of a disclosing tablet.  After chewing, these tablets stain plaque a pink, purple or blue color.  Let your child “erase” these colorful “sugar bugs” with their toothbrush.

Rewards

When all else fails, a little bribe goes a long way.  Positive reinforcement is a great tool to get kids on the right track when it comes to their brushing.  Dr. Dhaliwal uses this trick when it comes to her daughter’s oral hygiene routine.  She makes a monthly chart, let her choose a sticker to put on it for every morning and night she brushes and flosses.  At the end of the month, she lets her pick out a small prize for her achievement.

Remember when it comes to children’s brushing and flossing make sure the routine is consistent. For children under five, brush after them to remove plaque they have missed.  Children between five and eight can brush on their own but should be supervised.  If you need a refresher on how to keep children’s teeth healthy, check out our blog we posted earlier in the year.  The most important tip we can give you is to be patient and have fun.  We hope you enjoy these tips and have fun brushing!

If you have any questions about your child’s oral health or to schedule their first visit give us a call!

Oral Hygiene: Ten Tips for a Healthier Mouth

May 8, 2019

Everyone wants a bright beautiful smile which is why a good oral hygiene routine is so important!  Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental and medical problems such as gum disease, bad breath, bone loss, infections and heart disease.  You can prevent these issues with regular cleanings and exams and good oral hygiene habits.

These are 10 tips that Dr. Dhaliwal recommends to promote better oral hygiene.

One: Floss More for Better Oral Hygiene

When flossing make sure to use a piece of floss about 18 inches long.  Wrap the floss tightly between your middle fingers of each hand.  Gently guide it in-between your teeth.  When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C and wrap it around each tooth.   Gently rub it up and down.  Switch to the adjacent tooth and wrap it around the tooth in a C shape again.  Gently lift the floss out of the contact and repeat for each tooth.  Don’t forget to floss each end of the tooth even if it doesn’t have an adjacent tooth next to it.

Two: Brush Properly

When you brush place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against your gum.  Start at your gums and move the toothbrush gently back and forth in short, tooth wide strokes.  Make sure you get every surface of the tooth.  Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles start splaying.

Three: Don’t Forget the Tongue

Plaque can accumulate on your tongue causing bad breath.  This plaque can easily be removed with a tongue scraper or with a tooth brush.  If the plaque is difficult to remove consult your dentist.

Four: Drink More Water

Fluoridated water can decrease cavities.  Drink water with meals or after eating and drinking sweet treats to help wash away the sugar.  Sipping water throughout the day can also help prevent cavities in patients with dry mouth.

Five: Use Mouthwash After Brushing and Flossing

An antimicrobial mouthwash can help decrease the bacteria in your mouth.  Mouth rinses with fluoride can also help decrease your chances of decay.  Mouth wash may not be recommended in children under six due to their inability to spit properly.

Six: Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth

Whatever you eat or drink will stay on your teeth for hours if you don’t brush before bed.  Brushing and flossing before bed allows for hours of a clean mouth and leads to improved oral hygiene.

Seven: Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

A fluoride toothpaste will help remineralize teeth and decrease the chances of cavities.  There are many toothpastes on the market so discuss with your dentist which one is right for you.

Eight: Do Not Use Tobacco Products

Tobacco products can accelerate bone loss, cause bad breath and can lead to oral cancer.  Smokeless tobacco can change the composition of your tissue and can lead to oral cancer as well.  Visit https://smokefree.gov/ if you need help quitting.

Nine: Use a Straw

Sugary drinks can cause cavities.  Dark drinks can cause staining.  Use a straw to decrease the contact between the drinks you consume and your teeth.  This will improve your oral hygiene by decreasing the chance for cavities and staining.

Ten: Visit Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

It is important to get your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months.  Even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures be sure to visit your dentist regularly.  The dentist not only checks your teeth and gums for any diseases but performs important exams on all the other tissues of your mouth such as oral cancer screenings.

How to Care for Your Pet’s Teeth

April 11, 2019

Did you know April 11 is National Pet Day? Celebrate all month long by improving the ways in which you care for your pet’s health! At West Maitland Dentistry, many of our team are pet owners. While we adore our four-legged friends, we understand it can feel a bit overwhelming to remember every little bit of keeping your pet healthy. You probably have the basics of pet ownership down, but did you know that your pets need regular dental care? Read on to learn more about caring for your pet’s smile to ensure they lead a long and comfortable life with healthy gums and strong teeth.

Pet Oral Care Tips

  • Start Healthy Habits Early

The perfect time to start brushing your pet’s teeth is when they are young. If you can get your puppy or kitten accustomed to regular brushing early, it’ll be an expected part of their day once they’re full grown. However, if you have a teenager, middle-aged, or senior pet, don’t give up hope! These animals will just require a bit more encouragement and patience.

  • Use the Right Tools

In order to care for your pet’s teeth, you’ll need the right supplies. Make sure you get an enzymatic toothpaste specially formulated for pets, as human toothpaste can be poisonous to pets. Most pet stores sell specialized toothpaste in a flavor your pet will love, like poultry or bacon. You’ll also need a soft-bristled toothbrush with a long handle to reach all the crevices in your pet’s mouth. In a pinch, some gauze wrapped around your finger can work, too. Additionally, supplementing your pet’s oral hygiene routine with a yummy dental chew treat is a great way to help break up plaque between brushings.

  • Be Gentle

Choose a location that is familiar and comfortable for your pet. Then, just like with your own teeth, you’ll want to gently, but thoroughly, clean each of your pet’s teeth. If you brush too vigorously, you could damage their enamel or irritate their gums. For optimal oral health, brush your pet’s teeth once each day to help them avoid bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

  • Maintain Regular Checkups

Just like humans need professional cleanings to supplement their at-home hygiene routine, your pets will need the same thing. Most pets should receive a yearly professional cleaning from their veterinarian.

Healthy Teeth for Every “National Pet Day”

By adopting a consistent routine of caring for your pet’s dental health, you can ensure their teeth stay healthy their entire life. Your pet will be able to eat comfortably and pain-free, and you’ll be protected from many emergency expenses related to common dental issues for dogs and cats. And every National Pet Day, you can post a picture of your furry companion with a beautiful smile that is healthy and well taken care of.

Remember Your Own Oral Health!

While you’re caring for your pet’s mouth, remember to keep up with your own oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and coming to see us every six months for a checkup. To ask our team any questions about how to properly care for your teeth or to schedule your next visit to our office, contact us today.

Gum Disease: The Ugly Truth

March 20, 2019

The link between gum disease and other health issues has brought gum disease to the forefront. The association between this common disease and other systemic health issues makes it even more important to have your gingiva evaluated for any sort of inflammation and to treat it. There are two types of gum disease we will discuss, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The term gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva). This gum disease occurs when a film of bacteria containing plaque settles on your tooth. This bacteria on your tooth will cause the gums to become red, inflamed and irritated. Swollen gums that bleed easily is a common first sign of gingivitis.

This disease can occur in patients that lack a good oral hygiene routine. More susceptible patients are those that do not brush and floss often enough or correctly. Those who skip out on regular cleaningswith their dentists are susceptible as well.

At this stage, the gum disease is classified as non-destructive because it hasn’t traveled yet into the bone surrounding your teeth.  When gingivitis is not treated it can progress into periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis occurs when the destruction of the gingiva, bone, and surrounding tissues occurs.  This is much more serious since once destroyed it is not reversible.

When plaque accumulates on your mouth, it will calcify if not removed becoming calculus, commonly known as tartar. This tartar will build up both above and below the gingiva, making it difficult to clean off. Bacteria found in the calculus causes an inflammatory response which leads to the destruction of the tissue.   Pockets form where the bone structure is lost.  At this stage, a regular cleaning is not enough.  Your dentist or hygienist will perform a scaling or deep cleaning to clean out the calculus from the pockets.

Symptoms include swollen gums that bleed easily when touched, sensitive teeth, build up visibly seen on teeth and bad breath.  The bone destruction from periodontal disease can become so severe that teeth can become loose or even fall out.

Risks

Certain factors increase your chances of getting gum disease. These include:

  • Smoking
  • Inconsistent dental cleanings
  • Poor oral hygiene, irregular flossing, and brushing
  • Genetics
  • Misaligned, crowded teeth
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth
  • Poor nutrition
  • Fluctuating hormones for example during pregnancy
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Stress
  • Medications

Prevention

Gum disease can be prevented by brushing twice a day, for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, using an antimicrobial mouth wash and seeing your dentist at least twice a year.  Visit our blog on oral hygiene to get tips on how to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

For the latest information and more resources about gum disease visit the American Academy of Periodontology website.

If you are worried about gum disease call our office for an exam to see what your options are.  Also, don’t forget to make your cleaning appointment with Dr. D to prevent gum disease!

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Checkup

March 17, 2019

Are you wondering if it’s time for your child to visit the dentist for the first time? Within six months of when your child receives their first baby tooth, or by the time they are one year old, it’s important to take them for a dental checkup. Here, we’ll explain what to expect during this first dental visit!

Finding a Dentist

If you are in need of a superb dentist for your child, come visit us here at West Maitland Dentistry! We have experience treating patients of all ages. If you have dental insurance, check with your insurance company to make sure we are in-network. We accept Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta, DHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Sun Life, Principal, and United Healthcare. All other PPOs are considered out-of-network. Our office also accepts financing through CareCredit and offers various in-house membership plans to cover your yearly dental costs.

Before the Visit

Even before you head to our office for your child’s first visit, it’s important that you prepare your child and yourself for what is to come. Make sure that your child has eaten enough and slept well so they’re not fussy during the appointment. Pack their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, book, or teething toy to help them feel comfortable. For your peace of mind, write down a list of questions you’d like to ask our team about your child’s oral health. Additionally, check your dental insurance regarding your coverage and any copay. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of your child’s medications and to know your family’s medical history.

During the First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit serves several purposes. First, it’s a simple way to familiarize your child with visiting the dentist and taking care of their oral health early on. The appointment will allow your child to meet their dentist in a friendly, non-threatening way. We will also educate you on proper oral care for your child by demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, and we’ll answer any dental-related questions you may have. Additionally, the visit will involve a brief oral exam of their baby teeth and gums to make sure there are no early signs of decay and that their mouth is developing normally.

Schedule Your Kid’s First Checkup!

If you have any other questions about your child’s first dental visit or want to schedule an appointment for them, contact us today.

Braces Basics to Consider

February 25, 2019

This week our topic of conversation is on orthodontics. Dr. Dhaliwal will go over everything you need to know about braces, from when your child should get them to how they can keep them clean.

Why do Kids Need Braces

There are numerous reasons why your child may need braces. When a dentist recommends braces it is usually to improve the child’s oral health and not necessarily for cosmetic purposes only. If your child’s teeth are overlapping, crooked or overcrowded then it can be difficult for them to keep them clean.

If your child’s teeth are protruding out, they can damage them if they fall or get hit in the mouth. It may also make it harder for them to close their lips all the way or make speech difficult.

An open bite, where the front teeth don’t hit each other will make it difficult for your child to bite down on foods, such as apples. Often open bites are often caused by extended use of the pacifier or a thumb-sucking habit. With early intervention, this can often be corrected.

What Age Should my Child Get Them?

There is no right or wrong answer when your child should get braces.  Every child has different dental issues or none. If you start seeing any crowding or alignment issues, it is never too early to discuss with your child’s dentist about the possibility of braces. The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends a consultation at age 7 to discuss the need for orthodontics. A typical age that an orthodontist will start treating children is between 10 to 14. This age will facilitate the teeth shifting faster since the child is growing faster which can mean less time in braces for them.

If you notice issues early on talk to your child’s dentist about getting a consult sooner. Some orthodontists can provide an early orthodontic phase to help your child not be in braces as long when they get older. Although your child may have to be in braces twice, less time in braces means the less likely your child will get cavities around them.

Seeing an orthodontist early does not necessarily mean that treatment will start right away. The orthodontist will determine a course of action and figure out the best timing for your child.

Types of Braces

There are several types of braces now. All of them use some sort of pressure on your teeth to shift them into a correct position.

The most typical type of braces consists of metal brackets and bands.   The brackets attach to the front of the teeth and the bands wrap completely around the molars. With metal braces, often rubber rings and bands are used. The metal brackets can sometimes even go behind the teeth, depending on what type of movement is needed.

The metal braces can also come with a white coating over them or can be ceramic to mask the metal look. These will still provide the same force as the metal ones but are more esthetic.

A more popular type of braces in recent years are clear removable aligners.  These are plastic trays, also known as aligners, that the patient takes in and out of their mouth. Aligners are great for maintaining oral hygiene since the patient can brush and floss normally. These types of braces only work if they are in your mouth.  Patient compliance can determine whether these are a good alternative for you or your teenager.

How to Keep Your Teeth Clean with Orthodontics

Patients with braces need to pay a little extra attention to their teeth.  Flossing daily and brushing after each meal can help prevent cavities.  Brackets and wires are food traps and need proper cleaning with brushing, flossing, and a water pik can help as well. An addition of fluoride mouth rinse or fluoride treatments can help prevent staining and cavities.

Things to avoid are hard and sticky foods, such as popcorn, ice, gum, and caramels, which can pop off the brackets or bend the wires. If any part of your braces becomes damaged make sure to call your orthodontist right away. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of juices and sodas which can cause cavities.

For patients that are wearing the clear aligners it is important to take them off before eating. Also, it is important to not drink anything besides water when wearing the aligners.

Will Braces Hurt

Braces work by applying a small amount of pressure to the tooth in order to move it. At each visit, the orthodontist will tighten the wires which will apply more pressure. This pressure, especially at the first appointment can cause mild discomfort. Taking over the counter pain medications before and after your appointment as well as a soft food diet can help alleviate the discomfort.

Sometimes the ends of the wires or brackets can cause some irritation of the lips or cheeks. Using orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges can really help cut down on the irritation. If your encounter extremely sharp edges that are painful make sure your orthodontist is aware.

Orthodontics can be a long process but in the end, a lifetime of a corrected bite is worth it. Call to make an appointment with Dr. Dhaliwal if you have any questions about braces for either you or your child.

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